NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
62 reportsClear category filter660,000 miles · Mar 6, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineParking Brake
MY PARKING BRAKE NO LONGER SETS, IT JUST PUMPS AND NEVER LOCKS. SO I HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO PARK ON ANY HILLS FOR A WHILE. ALSO, MY HEATING AND AIR GOES WONKY SOMETIMES AND WON'T SHOW ME THE ACTUAL TEMP OR GIVE ME THE OPTION TO INCREASE OR DECREASE IN TEMP OR MODE UNLESS I PARK AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, START IT AGAIN, THEN TURN …
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MY PARKING BRAKE NO LONGER SETS, IT JUST PUMPS AND NEVER LOCKS. SO I HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO PARK ON ANY HILLS FOR A WHILE. ALSO, MY HEATING AND AIR GOES WONKY SOMETIMES AND WON'T SHOW ME THE ACTUAL TEMP OR GIVE ME THE OPTION TO INCREASE OR DECREASE IN TEMP OR MODE UNLESS I PARK AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, START IT AGAIN, THEN TURN OFF THE WHOLE COOLING OR HEATING SYSTEM AND THEN MESS WITH IT MORE. MY CAR IS ALSO OFTEN TIMES IN DRIVE, AND IT'LL REV UP FOR NO REASON TO THE RED LINE, THEN STALL AND COAST TO A STOP. I'VE BEEN LUCKY MY KIDS HAVE YET TO BE WITH ME WITH THIS HAPPENING AND IT'S BEEN ON BACK ROADS WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC. ALL THESE THINGS WHILE CAR IS IN DRIVE/MOTION, EXCEPT PARKING BRAKE, THAT IS OBVIOUSLY WHILE IN PARK THAT I'VE NOTICED.
NHTSA ODI #11316603
34,015 miles · Feb 28, 2020
Electrical System
ALL FOUR POWER WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE PLACED IN SERVICE MAY 2016 AND CURRENTLY HAS 34,000 MILES. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED WHILE VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH REAR WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED DECEMBER 2019 AND WERE REPLACED FEBRUARY 2020 BY THE DEALER AT…
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ALL FOUR POWER WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE PLACED IN SERVICE MAY 2016 AND CURRENTLY HAS 34,000 MILES. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED WHILE VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH REAR WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED DECEMBER 2019 AND WERE REPLACED FEBRUARY 2020 BY THE DEALER AT A COST TO THE OWNER OF $1044.63.
NHTSA ODI #11312180
54,000 miles · Nov 1, 2019
Electrical System
POWER WINDOW MOTORS FAILING. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 55,000 MILE ONE IT AND ONLY 2 YEARS OLD BUT THREE OUT OF THE FOUR POWER WINDOW MOTORS HAVE FAILED IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI #11277468
37,000 miles · Oct 29, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
SOMETIMES WHEN WE ACCELERATE THE CAR STALLS & REVS UP, THEN IT WILL ACT FINE, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL STAY ON FOR A BIT. THEN GOES OFF AND IT ACTS NORMAL. THIS IS ALL WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OVER A FEW MONTHS,,,IT'S JUST EVERY SO OFTEN.
NHTSA ODI #11276909
80,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
Electrical System
STARTER STOPPED WORKING AFTER 80000 MILES. IT WAS THE ISSUE WITH SOLENOID BUT I HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER. MY SAFETY CONCERN WAS THAT I WAS ATE GAS STATION AT SAMS CLUB AND I WAS NOT ABLE RESTART THE CAR AFTER FUELING GAS.
NHTSA ODI #11242516
60,304 miles · Mar 20, 2019
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
CAR WON'T START FOR NO REASON AT ALL ON SOME OCCASIONS
NHTSA ODI #11190322
2,000 miles · Sep 2, 2018
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFireInjury
ON SAT MORNING MY SUV CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURRED IN INDIANAPOLIS ON HARDING ST. NEAR THE INTERSTATE EXIT. WE WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE CAR THEN FLAMES. I GOT MY KIDS AND DOGS OUT. THEN I REALIZED OUR MEDICATIONS WERE IN THERE. I THEN WENT BACK TO TRY TO GRAB THE BAG. I COULDN'T …
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ON SAT MORNING MY SUV CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURRED IN INDIANAPOLIS ON HARDING ST. NEAR THE INTERSTATE EXIT. WE WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE CAR THEN FLAMES. I GOT MY KIDS AND DOGS OUT. THEN I REALIZED OUR MEDICATIONS WERE IN THERE. I THEN WENT BACK TO TRY TO GRAB THE BAG. I COULDN'T BECAUSE OF HOW FAST IT WENT UP. IN THE PROCESS I ENDED WITH TWO SMALL BURNS AND A SLIGHT ABRASION. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE SUV HAS BEEN MAINTENANCE AND GIVEN ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. IN FACT IN JUNE IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE.AND 15000 MILE MAINTENANCE. CURRENTLY IT SUSPECTED THAT THIS WAS ELECTRIC FIRE. I ALSO HAVE A VIDEO OF SOMEONE THAT WAS PASSING BY. THE SUV WAS TOWED BY THE INDIANAPOLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT TO THEIR LOT WERE IT IS CURRENTLY.
NHTSA ODI #11124013
30,216 miles · Jun 13, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF ROUGH IDLE, BURNT OIL AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES STARTING AT 7128 MILES, 16066 MILES, 21000 MILES,22711 MILES & 29356 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (SHORT BLOCK WE WERE TOLD), THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) & THE FORWARD & REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ARE I…
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AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF ROUGH IDLE, BURNT OIL AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES STARTING AT 7128 MILES, 16066 MILES, 21000 MILES,22711 MILES & 29356 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (SHORT BLOCK WE WERE TOLD), THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) & THE FORWARD & REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ARE INTERMITTENT IN THEIR OPERATION. RANDOMLY WHEN SITTING STILL THE SENSORS WILL ALERT OR WHEN CROSS TRAFFIC (FRONT OR REAR) THE SENSORS FAIL TO DETECT. THIS WAS A DEFINITE CHANGE OF BEHAVIOR SINCE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THEY CHECKED IT AND AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING DECLARED IT TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. THIS RANDOM BEHAVIOR OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.. ATTACHED IS A CAR FAX REPORT OF OUR VEHICLE REFLECTING THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11101573
6,762 miles · Jan 1, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
WITH ONLY 6762 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, GOING 79-80 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE WITHOUT WARNING: (1) LOUD THUNK UNDER THE HOOD (2) ENGINE STOPPED (3) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN, INCLUDING AUDIO, DASHBOARD, AND HEADLIGHTS (4) RAPID DECELERATION, AS IF I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES (THOUGH I HAD N…
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WITH ONLY 6762 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, GOING 79-80 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED ALL AT ONCE WITHOUT WARNING: (1) LOUD THUNK UNDER THE HOOD (2) ENGINE STOPPED (3) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN, INCLUDING AUDIO, DASHBOARD, AND HEADLIGHTS (4) RAPID DECELERATION, AS IF I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES (THOUGH I HAD NOT). (5) APPROACHING THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WERE ALSO INACTIVE. AFTER PUTTING IN PARK, IT MIRACULOUSLY STARTED RIGHT BACK UP AND GOT ME HOME. BUT THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS, IT'LL BE DURING RUSH HOUR AND THEN I'LL GET REAR-ENDED BY THE UBIQUITOUS TAILGATER, GOING 70 MPH. EVEN IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN I GET A CHANCE TO APPLY THEM, THERE WOULD STILL BE A DELAY OF A SECOND OR TWO DURING WHICH THE VEHICLE WOULD BE RAPIDLY DECELERATING ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. NOT TO MENTION THE UNDOUBTEDLY ACCELERATED WEAR AND TEAR ON INTERNAL PARTS.
NHTSA ODI #11057847
83,044 miles · Jan 9, 2017
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineFire
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO AN ARMY BASE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A WITNESS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE HOOD AND WRAPPED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO AN ARMY BASE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A WITNESS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE HOOD AND WRAPPED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AS IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A TRAIL OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS DISTINGUISHED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RENTAL COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,044. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #10943749
Official recalls
4Sep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Mar 4, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
Dec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Nov 30, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Electrical System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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